They're back!

Yes, it was once again time for Alfie & Betty to spend their summer here, along with Nadine of course.

This time they had a holiday within a holiday flying off to Spain for a week, joined by Simon who sadly couldn't make it to La Tranche this year.

A very excited pair in the plane at Stansted.

On arrival Matt was very happy to torture (tickle?) his niece...

...and it wasn't long until they were in the pool, along with Sacha.

Another day Sacha & Alfie show off their England football kits.

Happy photos chez nous...

...in town...

...and on the jetty.

New gym and celebrations before the arrival of AlfnBets

Just around the corner from chez nous

The town's new gym (or Fitness Centre)

We went with Mehdi & Élodie on the open day...

...and I was persuaded to sign up for 12 months.

I'm not sure it's my 'cuppa' but I've got to make the effort now.

Meanwhile le Camping Base d'aunts celebrated its 60th anniversary this summer with apéritifs every couple of weeks. Of course I had to force myself to go!

I didn't force myself to have a cheeky pint with Matt at the Aloha Wake Park, coincidentally just around the corner from chez nous too 😂.

And here they are, AlnBets all ready for their new schools in September (and counting the days to visit us)!

Big sis comes to visit

My elder sister Ann came to see us for the third time in July. She's already talking about 2026!

Siblings down by le Pavillon.

Ann at the beautiful port of La Rochelle.

I'm sure it's no coincidence but she often comes when the town offers its Bastille Day firework celebrations...

...as stunning as ever.

Sometimes nature has its own display: the moon over La Rochelle round the bay. 

While the cat's away...

...the mouse will play!

Tine went to stay chez Nadine & co for a week. Here Phil & Jade have joined them for a bite to eat.

Nadine & Tine drove over to see old friends Pauline & David. As a special bonus daughter Nicola was there too with her family. Nadine & Nicola hadn't seen each other for many years and you can see how happy they were to meet up again.

Meanwhile back in La Tranche young Selim's enjoying the carousel...

...whilst Papy Dave (as he calls me) is having fun with his young mates at the bar opposite. Meet Jules, Tristan & Harry.

There's always time for a beer at le Benèze.

I don't know who's being dafter...

...Selim or Matthieu!

Low tide, Surfer Sach & Les Sables

My daily walks often take me to the beach at La Grière.

There was a low tide this day...

...can you spot the mussel farms out at sea?

Matt sent these photos...

...Sach with attitude after his surfing lesson.

I have to be honest when I say Les Sables d'Olonne is not my favourite place, mainly because of the horrendous concrete apartment blocks on the seafront.

However look behind and you have the working port...

...and they've even made these silos look more attractive.

Back home

It's always good to get back home, this time for the summer, I promise!

We were late opening the pool this year but we put it to good use all summer. Here are Selim & Élodie..

...and another day, Tine with Selim.

We celebrated Tine's birthday a couple of days early. Left to right, Cécile, Rémy, Arnaud, Sylvie, Tine, moi, Jennifer, Loulou & Monique outside where we used to holiday when our children were young.

On Tine's birthday itself we were treated to the evening show at le Puy du Fou. Just look at the crowds!

Photos aren't allowed during the show but these give a good impression of the backdrop to the event after dusk.

Pinched from online, just look at this line-up!

Finally we had some very special visitors this year, not one but two families of three chicks. Look carefully and you can see Maman feeding her open-mouthed babies.

The Hassan II Mosque

We saved our visit to the 14th largest mosque in the world until our last day. It was well worth the wait.

The approach to the mosque along the waterfront.

The huge forecourt which can accommodate 80 000 worshippers, 25 000 inside.

It was a hot day and we were very thankful for the covered walkway.

The building is truly vast

You might recognise these two, awaiting their time slot.

Once inside your breath is taken away by the mosque's dimensions.

Looking over the sea.

We were led down very dramatic stairs...

...to the area where the worshippers perform their ritual ablutions.

Back up the stairs and back to blue skies.

And that's it for Morocco. Big thanks to Mehdi, Élodie and all their family over there. Plus of course the everyday Moroccans who welcomed us everywhere.